Post by gmcanucks on Nov 1, 2013 5:52:42 GMT -5
Vancouver (CP) - The Vancouver Canucks, fresh off a historic draft for the Western Conference Club - a draft that saw them pick five players in the top nine - have completed preparations for the 2013-2014 season.
Speaking at the club's annual pre-season media conference at Rogers Arena, GM Joe MacDonald seemed more interested in talking about the future than the present.
"We're expecting to be competitive this season", said MacDonald, "in the sense that we won't be an easy team to beat on a nightly basis. Whether that translates into a lot of wins, remains to be seen."
MacDonald sighted goaltending as a team strenth but conceded the team still has lots of holes on the blueline and up front. "We're definitely a work in progress", said the GM. "No one in our organization has any delusions about great success this year but everyone feels we're heading in the right direction."
Here is the 2013-2014 opening day line-up for the Canucks:
Forwards:
O'Reilly - Berglund - Hagelin
Galiardi - Brassard - Okposo
Roussel - Kesler - Kassian
Upshall - Shore - Lewis
Defense:
Faulk - Lovejoy
Smith - Kundratek
Brennan - Engelland
Goal:
Quick - Varlamov
The General Manager said a group of players is starting to appear on the Canuck's roster that will form the core of contending teams in the future. "We feel there at 8-10 guys on the opening night roster that will play big parts in this club's future. Add our impressive group of prospects to the mix and we think we're well positioned to be a contender within two to three years."
With this in mind, MacDonald presented what he called "The Canucks 2015-2016 depth chart". "Things will change, some players will develop and some won't, some players will be moved for other pieces, but on paper we think we have a pretty impressive talent base as we plan for the future."
2015-2016 Vancouver Canucks:
Goal:
Jonathan Quick
Semyon Varlamov
Jaroslav Halak
Andrei Vasilevski
Defense:
Justin Faulk
Ryan Murray
Jacob Trouba
Morgan Rielly
Brandon Gormley
Darnell Nurse
Centre:
Aleksander Barkov
Ryan Kesler
Patrik Berglund
Bo Horvat
Right Wing:
Valeri Nichushkin
Elias Lindholm
Tyler Toffoli
Zack Kassian
Left Wing:
Ryan O'Reilly
Nino Niederreitter
Carl Hagelin
Matthew Nieto
"We're hoping that all the fans in Canucks' nation can see the big picture", said MacDonald. "We may struggle again this year, and maybe even next year, but the future is bright in Vancouver. We are definitely looking forward to being a cup contender within three years. That's our commitment to our wonderful fans and it's the goal shared by every member of this organization."
The Canucks will be tested early when they host the 2012-2013 JGHL Cup finalist Chicago Black Hawks at Rogers Arena on Friday. "We get to face one of the league's best clubs right off the bat", said MacDonald. "It should be a good test for our young club."
Jonathan Quick is expected to get the opening night start between the pipes for the home side, while Chicago is expected to counter with veteran Mike Smith.
Speaking at the club's annual pre-season media conference at Rogers Arena, GM Joe MacDonald seemed more interested in talking about the future than the present.
"We're expecting to be competitive this season", said MacDonald, "in the sense that we won't be an easy team to beat on a nightly basis. Whether that translates into a lot of wins, remains to be seen."
MacDonald sighted goaltending as a team strenth but conceded the team still has lots of holes on the blueline and up front. "We're definitely a work in progress", said the GM. "No one in our organization has any delusions about great success this year but everyone feels we're heading in the right direction."
Here is the 2013-2014 opening day line-up for the Canucks:
Forwards:
O'Reilly - Berglund - Hagelin
Galiardi - Brassard - Okposo
Roussel - Kesler - Kassian
Upshall - Shore - Lewis
Defense:
Faulk - Lovejoy
Smith - Kundratek
Brennan - Engelland
Goal:
Quick - Varlamov
The General Manager said a group of players is starting to appear on the Canuck's roster that will form the core of contending teams in the future. "We feel there at 8-10 guys on the opening night roster that will play big parts in this club's future. Add our impressive group of prospects to the mix and we think we're well positioned to be a contender within two to three years."
With this in mind, MacDonald presented what he called "The Canucks 2015-2016 depth chart". "Things will change, some players will develop and some won't, some players will be moved for other pieces, but on paper we think we have a pretty impressive talent base as we plan for the future."
2015-2016 Vancouver Canucks:
Goal:
Jonathan Quick
Semyon Varlamov
Jaroslav Halak
Andrei Vasilevski
Defense:
Justin Faulk
Ryan Murray
Jacob Trouba
Morgan Rielly
Brandon Gormley
Darnell Nurse
Centre:
Aleksander Barkov
Ryan Kesler
Patrik Berglund
Bo Horvat
Right Wing:
Valeri Nichushkin
Elias Lindholm
Tyler Toffoli
Zack Kassian
Left Wing:
Ryan O'Reilly
Nino Niederreitter
Carl Hagelin
Matthew Nieto
"We're hoping that all the fans in Canucks' nation can see the big picture", said MacDonald. "We may struggle again this year, and maybe even next year, but the future is bright in Vancouver. We are definitely looking forward to being a cup contender within three years. That's our commitment to our wonderful fans and it's the goal shared by every member of this organization."
The Canucks will be tested early when they host the 2012-2013 JGHL Cup finalist Chicago Black Hawks at Rogers Arena on Friday. "We get to face one of the league's best clubs right off the bat", said MacDonald. "It should be a good test for our young club."
Jonathan Quick is expected to get the opening night start between the pipes for the home side, while Chicago is expected to counter with veteran Mike Smith.